Kriska CEO Mark Seymour
Elected Ontario Trucking Association Chairman
Picking up the torch on speed limiters, growing
OTA to be his focus
(Toronto: Nov. 15, 2006) -- Mark Seymour, CEO of
Kriska Transportation in Prescott, ON has been elected chairman of the Ontario
Trucking Association for a two-year term. Mark has served for a number of years
on the OTA board and executive committee. He is also on the executive committee
of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.
One of the key architects of OTA’s policy to
seek the mandatory activation of speed limiters, the new chairman says he is
pleased with the momentum and progress on the issue and that its implementation
in Ontario will be a priority of his chairmanship.
“It’s remarkable how far the issue has
progressed since OTA unveiled it in November 2005,“ he says. “What
started as an Ontario initiative under Scott Smith’s (past OTA chairman
and CEO of JD Smith & Sons) leadership now has support from industry across
North America. I feel confident we will get the job
done.”
“At Kriska we have governed the speed of our
company vehicles since the early 1990’s. During that time our company grew
from about 35 power units to over 400 today,” he says. “I
don’t buy the argument that limiting the speeds of your trucks will impact
negatively on a company’s ability to provide service.” His company
has the awards to back him up. Earlier this year, Kriska was recognized, for the
6th year in a row as one of ‘Canada’s 50 Best Managed
Companies’ and was a recipient of the Canadian Transportation &
Logistics Magazine ‘Carrier of Choice’ award.
But, Mark says his term will be about more than speed
limiters; he also wants to see the OTA membership continue to grow. “I
can’t begin to tell you the benefits to my business and to me personally
through our membership and participation in OTA. So many doors have been opened
to me. Through OTA I have been able to rub shoulders with the CEO’s of the
best carriers not only from Canada and the United States, but from around the
world. You can’t get that kind of experience and advice anywhere
else.”
Mark started at Kriska, then owned by his late father,
Ken, in 1983 as a driver. He later worked as a mechanic, service supervisor,
dispatcher, operations manager and VP sales. He became president in 1995.
“Before I took over, the company was not involved in OTA. Our management
thought we could do it ourselves and OTA was just a club for the big boys from
Toronto. That could not be farther from the truth and I am living proof of
that.”
Mark says he will also encourage OTA members who have
not served on the association’s board of directors to get involved.
“With a board of over 80 carriers there is a lot of ability to ensure we
have some new blood on the board, or involved on some of our committees. I will
be encouraging that.”
Over the years, Mark has played a strong role getting
involved in OTA lobbying activities. “I have met with provincial and
federal ministers as well as senior civil servants. At first, I was a bit
nervous about it but now I see how important it is for the industry to have a
strong voice and to be able to explain what we do to government. In a highly
regulated business like trucking, which shares its workplace with the public,
this is extremely important.” And, he says, “no one does it better
than OTA. Kriska is also a big supporter of the OTA Road Knights
Team.
While he says that OTA’s primary function will
always be to represent the industry before government, the media and the public,
“the association also provides seminars and workshops and products and
services such as log books, handbooks, cargo seals, etc. We will continue to
look for new ways to provide added value to the members on a selective
basis.”
Mark and his wife Kathy have two children and reside
in Maitland, ON. Mark and Kriska play an active role in the community supporting
several good causes.
Note to editors: Photo of Mr. Seymour
available.
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The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is a business
association representing motor carriers operating into, out of and within
Ontario. The trucking industry is one of Ontario’s largest employers.
Trucks haul 90% of all consumer products and foodstuffs produced and consumed in
the province and 80% of Ontario’s trade with the United States. Founded in
1926, the association’s membership comprises trucking companies of all
sizes, shipping all types of commodities, from all regions of North America. OTA
is a member of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. The Globe & Mail has stated
that “OTA and CTA have been among the most successful lobbyists in the
land.”
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